Battle of Siena (1494)

The Battle of Siena (1494) was a battle of the Italian War of 1494-98 that occurred when King Charles VIII of France led an army to the relief of his besieged stronghold of Siena from a mercenary army led by the condottiere Francesco. The French annihilated the rebel army in the battle, saving Siena from siege.

Francesco led a sizable army of mercenaries to besiege Siena at the instigation of France's enemies, and this army included Venetian condottieri and artillery. King Charles VIII of France was forced to lift his siege of Grosseto and retreat north to Siena, aiming to lift the siege. The French engaged the mercenaries in battle on a field outside of the city, and the French took up defensive positions. The French artillery were protected at all times during the battle, while the Sienese artillerymen were overwhelmed by French knights as the main body of the Sienese force failed to break through the French defenses. The French cavalry proceeded to attack the Sienese rear, destroying the mercenary army's morale. Francesco and most of his men were slain, and the remnants of his army were routed, melting away into the hills. Siena was saved by Charles, who was able to return to his campaign in the south.